CREWE'S Bentley Motors has received an award from a magazine dedicated to the life of luxury.

The company has been given the Lux -ury Briefing Award for Excellence.

The accolade is for its strategy, drive and product innovation following the launch of the Bentley Continental GT - the world's fastest four-seater coupé and the first unique Bentley design for more than 70 years.

Presenting the award, James Ogilvy, publisher of Luxury Briefing, said: 'Bentley won the 2003 award for the outstanding management of its brand.

'The integrity of the marque has never been compromised. It is a truly exclusive product and the sporting heritage has been reasserted with the remarkable one-two win at Le Mans this year.

'Now, with the launch of the new Continental GT, the company looks set to take its superb, hand-crafted cars to a broader market without diluting any of its core values.'

Mark Tennant, the director of product strategy for Bentley Motors, said: 'The award caps a great year for Bentley, with our victory at Le Mans in June and the tremendous acclaim for the new Continental GT.

'Response to the car has been outstanding in terms of both Press coverage and orders placed, and now to receive this accolade from our peers in the luxury goods business is icing on the cake.'

Former winners of the award, which is designed to recognise brands at the top of their field representing excellence in the luxury industry, include Jo Malone, Joseph and Burberry.

Bentley is hoping the Continental GT will be a big success and has expanded its workforce at Pym's Lane.

A company statement said: 'It is the first offspring of a new family of cars which deliver unparalleled levels of refinement, craftsmanship and drive involvement.

'It should have super-car pace, elegance and exquisite levels of interior accommodation.'

Stars up to speed

Celebrities and top footballers are reported to be flocking to buy the Continental GT.

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand and pop legend Elton John are two big names said to be among the first 3,200 lucky customers who put down deposits for what is tagged widely as the 'Baby Bentley'.

The car, which has a £110,000 list price, has a top speed of 198mph, making it the world's faster four-seater coupé.

It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and gives more torque at 1600rpm than the Ferrari 456GT, the Aston Martin Vanquish and the Porsche 911 turbo.

The six-litre Continental GT is the result of years of design and development after a £500m investment programme.

There are hopes sales will see production soaring at Pym's Lane from 1,800 cars a year to 7,000.